A 99-year-old World War II veteran is in Nebraska, part of his 50-state tour prior to his 100th birthday next year.

Sidney Walton of San Diego plans to visit the White House on his 100th birthday, February 11, 2019.

Sidney’s son, Paul, says Nebraska is the 8th state they have visited in a tour which has become quite emotional.

“Just seeing the respect that my father, I know he’s deserved, but that he’s finally receiving from all people, all walks of life, particularly young people that have never had an opportunity to meet a World War II veteran,” Paul Walton tells reporters during a news conference hosted by Gov. Pete Ricketts in the hearing room of his office.

Walton, a native of New York, joined the Army in 1941. After suffering an injury which prevented him from serving in Europe, he served in India until 1946.

After the war, Walton became a college geology professor, then worked as a civilian for the military in San Diego.

Sidney Walton with his son, Paul.

He plans to tour throughout Nebraska this week, with a stop in Sidney, Nebraska planned, of course. After Nebraska, the Waltons will travel to Tennessee and then Kentucky. Nebraska is the 8th state they have visited. The family is seeking donations to finance the remainder of the trip at gosidneygo.com.

Paul says the tour has been a great experience so far.

“Meeting the governor, it’s a wonderful thing, but really meeting the people of the great states that we’re going to be visiting, including Nebraska, that’s why we’re here,” according to Paul.

The trip is called the “No Regrets” Tour, because Sidney Walton deeply regrets not taking advantage of being able to meet one of the last remaining Civil War veterans when he was young.